Grizzlies vs. Suns recap: Memphis survives scare from Phoenix, 99-91

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Memphis allowed Phoenix to climb back into the game in the third quarter, but the Grizzlies were ultimately too much to handle in the valley of the sun.

By Dane Delgado@danegado Jan 2, 2014, 11:24pm EST

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The Phoenix Suns had a chance to grab a win from the once-hopeful Memphis Grizzlies in the third quarter, but squandered their opportunity and allowed the Grizzlies a win, 99-91, on Thursday night.

Memphis jumped out to a first-half lead over the Suns as Zach Randolph went to work, nearly grabbing a double-double in the first 24 minutes. The Suns couldn't hit from three as Eric Bledsoe sat with a sprained knee.

Phoenix locked down defensively and got out in the fastbreak to start the second half. The team took the lead with 7:05 left in the third quarter thanks to a Goran Dragic jumper.

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Memphis would regain control on a Mike Miller two-pointer with 10:45 left in the fourth quarter and the Grizzlies wouldn't relinquish the lead again. Things got a bit testy late in the fourth as Dragic decided to tackle Jerryd Bayless:

After the teams separated themselves, the Grizzlies extended their lead and cruised to an easy win. Phoenix sorely missed the defensive presence and ball-handling skills of Bledsoe.

Dragic led all scorers with 33 points on 13-of-22 shooting, adding seven assists. Channing Frye had 14 points, going 4 for 10 from three.

For Memphis, Randolph had 20 points on 10-of-20 shooting, finishing with 15 rebounds. Bayless was a spark off the bench, scoring 17 points.

The loss keeps the Suns at seventh in the West, just above the Dallas Mavericks. Memphis moves to 15-17 as the team attempts to claw its way back into the playoff picture.